No One Really Knows What They’re Doing
Why confidence beats certainty in work (and life)
Let’s get one thing straight: no one has it all figured out. Not the CTO crafting the tech roadmap, not the CEO steering the company, not the salesperson closing deals, and certainly not the engineer debugging code at 2 a.m. Everyone is operating within their own unique mix of skills, experiences, and levels of assertiveness. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t some secret playbook—it’s the confidence to navigate uncertainty and the grit to keep moving forward.
But here’s the catch: confidence is in short supply. Most people look to others for reassurance, guidance, or even permission to act. They wait for someone else to take the first step, to give the green light, or to hand them a roadmap. And while this might feel safe, it’s a surefire way to stay stuck.
Why confidence matters more than certainty
In any organization, especially at the senior level, the expectation is clear: figure it out and execute. Leaders—whether they say it outright or not—reward initiative. They don’t want employees who need step-by-step instructions; they want people who can take ownership, make decisions, and deliver results.
Of course, confidence alone isn’t enough. It has to be backed by action and outcomes. But those who project confidence and consistently deliver gain something even more valuable: trust. And with trust comes influence.
The truth is, leadership isn’t about titles or formal authority. It’s about representation. People follow those who embody their aspirations, values, or beliefs. But here’s the twist: representation can go two ways.
The two faces of leadership
On one end of the spectrum, you have the toxic representative. This is the person who rallies others through shared frustrations, complaints, and cynicism. They position themselves as the voice of the disenfranchised, but instead of driving progress, they amplify negativity. They call their perspective “realism” or “pure logic,” but in reality, they’re cultivating a culture of defeatism.
On the other end, you have the optimistic pragmatist. This is the leader—official or not—who acknowledges challenges but stays focused on solutions. They don’t sugarcoat reality, but they don’t wallow in it either. They inspire through action, not just words. They make things happen and, in doing so, pull others forward with them.
The mindset that sets YOU apart
If you’re sitting there thinking, “Everyone else has it figured out, but I don’t,” you’re wrong. The real difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t innate knowledge or some magical ability to predict the future. It’s mindset.
It’s the willingness to take action even when the path isn’t clear.
It’s the ability to embrace uncertainty without letting it paralyze you.
It’s the determination to push forward with intention and optimism, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
In summary:
No one has all the answers. Not your boss, not your colleagues, not even the most successful people you admire. What sets them apart is their willingness to act, their ability to inspire, and their refusal to let uncertainty hold them back. They embrace change, swallow it and make something strong out of it.
So, the next time you feel like you’re faking it until you make it, remember: everyone else is too. The real question is, what are you going to do about it?